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- Current-gen consoles are expected to become more expensive by 10-15% due to the worldwide memory shortage.
- Next-gen consoles may also be delayed since the memory shortage is expected to last for at least a couple of years.
- Specifically for Valve, the situation seems terrible as the Steam Machine is planned to be released in 2026.
After desktop PC prices increased due to the global memory shortage, driving RAM and SSD prices out of reach, the same impact is being felt on the console side. Prices for the current-gen consoles are expected to increase by 10-15% in the coming year.
However, that isn’t all, and things are expected to get much worse for console manufacturers. With the memory shortage expected to last for at least a couple of years, the next-gen consoles could also be delayed, as per a new report.
Why it matters: Delayed next-gen consoles will be terrible for the industry, and the ripple effect will set everyone back, including publishers and gamers.
As per Reuters, which reported how the AI boom is causing panic for the gaming industry, they stated the following:
So instead of risking poor sales, we might see console makers delay releases.
Previously, it was reported that memory manufacturers have booked their entire stockpiles with AI companies for 2026 and beyond for a few. With next-gen consoles expected to release in 2028, this poses a problem for manufacturers.
Higher prices will certainly impact console sales, which are already expected to decrease by 4.4% next year. Prices for Xbox Series X|S were raised twice this year, and the result was that console sales were just around a million this year.
For next-gen, though, Valve is entering the console space with the Steam Machine next year. The launch of Valve’s console will be most troubled, as they were already facing problems deciding on the price, and rising memory prices further complicate things.
Microsoft also plans on releasing Project Magnus, a PC-console hybrid, soon. Lastly, the PS6 is expected to release somewhere around 2027-28. This means production for all these consoles will have to start in the latter half of 2026, which won’t be feasible given inflated component prices.
What are your thoughts on the prospect of next-gen consoles being delayed? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheerzahid03@gmail.com
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